John Duncan: The Riders of the Sidhe (1911)

(McManus Galleries, Dundee, Scotland)

A painting by the Scottish artist John Duncan (1866-1945). The sidhe or aos si is a Irish mythological race of fairies and elves who live in a supernatural world. During Samhain, around October 31, people from our world and the supernatural world can travel to and from both worlds. The painting show 4 sidne riding during samhain carrying two of the four magical treasures of the Tuatha Dé Danann, ('the people of the goddess Dana'), a mythological race who invaded Ireland - they represent the old Irish gods. Shown on this painting are the cauldron of Dagda and Claíomh Solais, the sword of Nuada. Painting from 1911.